Suspect arrested in connection to Fourth Ave. house fire

Police have arrested a suspect in connection with the fire that occurred at 527 N. Fourth Ave. E. on Sept. 21. The home, which was not occupied at the time of the fire, was deemed a total loss by Newton Fire Department Acting Captain Calvin Swank.

Following an investigation by the Newton Police and Fire Departments, Jacob R. Stengele, 18, of Newton, was arrested on the afternoon of Oct. 1 and charged with second-degree arson.

According to the Newton Police Department, Stengele was additionally charged with second-degree burglary. Iowa Courts Online records list the burglary charge as third-degree.